Effect of postharvest hydrogen sulphide on lignification and biochemical markers of pointed gourd

Abstract

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has emerged as a gasotransmitter molecule that modulates several physiological functions in plants, specially, different biotic and abiotic stresses. Pointed gourd (PG) fruits start losing their soft texture and appealing colour within 2–3 days of harvest, resulting in poor marketability and shelf life. Here, the effect of exogenous H2S (1 and 2 mm) application on lignification and other biochemical markers linked to ripening, shelf‐life and edible quality of PG was assessed during cold (12 °C, 85–90% RH) and ambient (27 ± 2 °C, 55 ± 5% RH) storage. The synergistic effect of H2S was recorded during simulated storage at ambient conditions. Postharvest H2S treatment (1 mm) effectively delayed yellowing and chlorophyll loss (four‐fold reduction) and maintained the phenolic content and higher antioxidant activity (36%). The H2S‐treated PG fruits had significantly lower lignification and membrane permeability i.e. 15% and 13%, respectively, than control samples. H2S‐treated fruit also maintained higher PAL and lower PPO activity. Therefore, postharvest application of H2S (2 mm) could be effective in maintaining postharvest quality of PG fruits and extending the marketing period.

Free Radicals Mediated Redox Signaling in Plant Stress Tolerance

“…Recently, exogenous application of H 2 S on the activity of various biochemical markers linked to fruit ripening in the fruits of banana and pointed gourd in the post-harvest stage was analyzed to detect their quality and shelf life. They unraveled that exogenous application of H 2 S significantly lowered membrane damage, lignification, and chlorophyll loss and correspondingly maintained higher PAL and PPO activity, thereby increasing the shelf life of the fruits without compromising their quality and extending their marketing duration [ 156 , 157 ].…”

Emerging role of hydrogen sulphide as a signalling molecule in plant biology

“…Siddiqui et al (2022) reported that H 2 S significantly protects the quality of banana fruits after harvest by inhibiting oxidative damage, rapid ripening and senescence; H 2 S delays chlorophyll degradation and suppresses ethylene and CO 2 production. Also, the study of Lata et al (2022) revealed that postharvest exogenous H 2 S application markedly delays yellowing and chlorophyll loss, improves phenolics content and antioxidant activity and reduces lignification and membrane permeability of guard cells during cold and ambient storage.…”

“…Also, the study of Lata et al . (2022) revealed that postharvest exogenous H 2 S application markedly delays yellowing and chlorophyll loss, improves phenolics content and antioxidant activity and reduces lignification and membrane permeability of guard cells during cold and ambient storage.…”

Study on the Regulation Mechanism of 1-MCP Combined with SO2 Treatment on Postharvest Senescence of Bamboo Shoots (Chimonobambusa quadrangularis) in Karst Mountain Area

“…A lignification process increases the firmness of postharvest fruits and vegetables, and this process is directly caused by lignin biosynthesis [10]. Phenylpropanoid metabolism takes on great significance in the postharvest lignification of fruits and vegetables.…”